Houthi rebels seize UN Human Rights offices in Yemen, UN demands immediate withdrawal
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The United Nations said on Tuesday that Houthi rebels have taken control of its human rights offices in Yemen's capital, Sanaa.
The UN’s human rights chief, Volker Turk, has urgently called for the rebels to vacate the premises and return all confiscated assets.
On August 3, a delegation from the Iran-backed Houthi group forcibly entered the UN Human Rights Office in Sanaa, compelling the staff to hand over the keys. The rebels continue to occupy the office, as confirmed by the Geneva-based UN office.
Volker Turk condemned the actions, stating, "Entering a UN office without authorization and seizing documents and property by force directly violates the privileges and immunities of the United Nations." He stressed that the seizure represents a severe threat to the UN's ability to fulfill its mandate, particularly in promoting and protecting human rights in Yemen. Turk demanded that the Houthi forces, known as Ansar Allah, leave the premises and return all assets immediately.
Yemen has been embroiled in a protracted civil war that has led to one of the worst humanitarian crises globally, with more than half of the population reliant on aid. The Houthis have controlled Sanaa since September 2014, which led to a Saudi-led coalition intervening on behalf of the Yemeni government in March 2015.
Earlier in June, the Houthis detained 13 UN staff members, including six from the Human Rights Office, along with over 50 workers from non-governmental organizations and an embassy staff member. The rebels claimed to have uncovered "an American-Israeli spy network" operating under the guise of humanitarian aid, allegations that the UN Human Rights Office has strongly denied.
Two additional UN Human Rights staff members had been detained since November 2021 and August 2023, respectively, and remain held with no communication.
Volker Turk reiterated his call for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained UN staff, emphasizing the importance of respecting the independence of the United Nations. He urged the Houthi authorities to allow UN agencies to continue their vital work in Yemen without interference or threats.